Arsenal – PSG: announcement of the first match of the Champions League semifinals

29 April 15:00

The first leg of the Champions League semifinals between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain will take place at the Emirates Stadium in London today at 22:00 Kyiv time. “For the first time since the 2008/09 season, the Gunners managed to make it to the semifinals of the most prestigious club tournament in Europe, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.

The London club approaches the confrontation in incredible form after defeating the reigning champion, Real Madrid, with a total score of 5-1 on the sum of two matches in the quarterfinals. Mikel Arteta ‘s men continue their impressive unbeaten streak of 17 home matches in European competition.

“The Gunners can also recall a convincing 2-0 victory over PSG at home in the group stage of this season’s Champions League last October.

Despite the lack of victories in five competitive matches against their London rival (3 draws, 2 defeats), the Parisian club has reason to be optimistic. In the current Champions League draw, PSG has already knocked out two English clubs from the tournament – Liverpool in the 1/8 finals and Aston Villa in the quarterfinals.

Comments from the teams’ camps

“Especially given the circumstances of this season and the way we overcame many problems and challenges, we have become one of the four best teams in Europe. It’s a good story, but we want more.”
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal head coach

“We have become a more complete team compared to the group stage and now we want to write our own page in history. Our meeting with Arsenal took place on October 1, seven months ago. I think there are significant differences between the teams now. I watched that match and saw our progress. I think we have become a better team, and we proved it during the tournament.”
Luis Enrique, head coach of PSG

Probable lineups

“Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kivior, Lewis-Skelly; Edegor, Rice, Merino; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.

“PSG: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.

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Expert opinion

“The upward trajectory of PSG after the 0-2 defeat by Arsenal in the group stage is simply incredible. They deservedly lost then, but since then they have formed one of the most well-coordinated teams in the world. The same goes for Arsenal, however, who seem to be getting more confident with each round, especially after two convincing victories over the then-champion Real Madrid. These ingredients make this semifinal clash potentially one of the most exciting in history.”
Joe Terry, match reporter

What the bookmakers say

Bookmakers consider the London team to be the favorite of today’s match. Arsenal’s victory is given at 2.18, the draw is estimated at 3.50, and PSG’s victory is 3.45.

At the same time, PSG is considered to be the favorite in the two-match confrontation. Bookmakers give odds of 1.82 for its passage to the final, while Arsenal’s passage is estimated at 2.01.